High performance, luxury hybrids continue to compete for the environmentally conscious consumers... that have lots of cash. Fisker Automotive recently secured a $528 million loan from the Department of Energy so they are one step closer to introducing the highly anticipated Fisker Karma.
The Technology
The Karma uses Q-DRIVE plug-in hybrid technology, developed exclusively for Fisker Automotive by Quantum Technologies. A fully-charged Karma burns no fuel for the first 50 miles. After that, the car operates as a normal hybrid vehicle with a gasoline engine running a generator which charges the lithium ion battery. The solar roof helps charge the car and cools the cabin while the car is parked. If you charge overnight and commute less than 50 miles per day, you'll achieve an average fuel economy of 100 mpg per year.
The Beauty
With over 18 years in the car design industry, Henrik Fisker has created some of the most stunning automobiles, such as the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9. This time he was inspired to deliver dramatic proportions and futuristic styling, while maintaining environmental sense. With the height of a Porsche 911, length of a Mercedes Benz CLS and the width of a BMW 7 Series, Fisker proves that the best technology can be wrapped up in a beautiful package.
The Luxury
The Karma's interior is as unique as its exterior. The wood trim is sourced from non-living trees such as naturally “fallen trees” as a result of age, “rescued trees” from naturally occurring fires, and “sunken trees” found on lake bottoms. Hand-wrapped premium leather preserves the natural look and feel, while highlighting the "natural markings” of each individual hide.
The Worries
Many people are wondering when the Karma will actually be available to consumers. While the Fisker Automotive website is offering pre orders with an estimated delivery date of "the second half of 2010", rumors are that very few people have seen one, much less driven one. The May issue of Popular Science calls Fisker’s secrecy “worrisome.” The magazine also posed questions and noted that the company “is on its third battery supplier in three years.”
Russell Datz, a Fisker spokesman, said there should be no worries; all is going according to plan. The Karma is being kept quiet “because we are a new company and it is a new car. We want people to drive the finished product.” And for $87,900... you can! Eventually.
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cool cars,
fisker automotive,
fisker karma,
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electric cars,
luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
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